Community Forums

Leary54 · 08-16-2019, 04:32 PM

I need to replace my Samsung refrigerator after 2 1/2 years nothing but problems after problem. What is the best residential replacement out there? I am asking for help before I go out and buy another. Thanks

vito.a · 08-16-2019, 04:51 PM

I'm sorry to hear you had issues. You will need a "counter depth" refrigerator and that limits your choices.
The Samsung RF18 is 70.5” tall (the spec sheet says 70 13/16” but mine measures 70 ½” with the front height adjusters removed), 32.25” wide, and 24 5/16” (without doors/handles).
Then search Home Depot, Lowes, and AJ Madison online for refrigerators that fit the dimensions.
An option is to purchase another Samsung RF18 and an extended warranty.
Best of luck!

Leary54 · 08-16-2019, 05:15 PM

Thank you for the info. I think I am going to look at a different label. I have had nothing but problems with the rf18 .

tmw188 · 08-16-2019, 05:25 PM

To be curious what type of problems?
I bought an extended warranty on mine. You may not like the other options if you already made the modifications for the Samsung.

**Spdracr39** · 08-16-2019, 05:38 PM

We went with the GE GWE19JSS Same dimensions and comes with internal water dispenser and icemaker. More expensive but got better reviews. Just put it in so can't attest to longevity.

Leary54 · 08-16-2019, 08:40 PM

Ok thanks

JFXG · 08-17-2019, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

I'm sorry to hear you had issues. You will need a "counter depth" refrigerator and that limits your choices.
The Samsung RF18 is 70.5” tall (the spec sheet says 70 13/16” but mine measures 70 ½” with the front height adjusters removed), 32.25” wide, and 24 5/16” (without doors/handles).
Then search Home Depot, Lowes, and AJ Madison online for refrigerators that fit the dimensions.
An option is to purchase another Samsung RF18 and an extended warranty.
Best of luck!

Vito.... quick question: at 24-5/16” were you able to bring the RF18 through the door of the Monaco? I have a ‘02 Dutch Star and I’m planning on an RF18 when my Dometic dies (perhaps sooner).
Thanks.

vito.a · 08-17-2019, 10:37 AM

Yes, but you have to take the doors and the bottom freezer drawer off. I bought ours from Home Depot with free delivery and the delivery guys carried it in the motor home for us. I removed the passenger seat (4 bolts), the grab handle, and removed the door retainer and then tied the door back against the mirror.
With an 2002 model, your primary concern is cabinet height. Do you have 70 1/2" available?
Here's the thread I posted. It's in a Monaco, but some of it will help with your Dutch Star.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/sams...re-356096.html

This new GE refrigerator spdrcr39 posted looks like it will fit if you have an extra 1/2" in width. It is 5/8" shorter which will help.

Cusn Edy · 08-17-2019, 10:02 PM

We put the Fisher & Paykel in about 4 years ago and it has worked flawlessly even on a modified sine wave inverter. Definitely more expensive than other options but well worth it for us.

tmw188 · 08-18-2019, 06:37 AM

So what type of problems were you having with the rf18?

**Spdracr39** · 08-18-2019, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFXG

Vito.... quick question: at 24-5/16” were you able to bring the RF18 through the door of the Monaco? I have a ‘02 Dutch Star and I’m planning on an RF18 when my Dometic dies (perhaps sooner).
Thanks.

I had to take the arm off of the door so it would open all the way, Remove the doors and freezer drawer, and remove both pilot and copilot chairs for maneuverability. If I had to do it again I would wrap it in plastic to protect the dash pad. We scratched ours pretty good with the bottom corner. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. Prepping the cabinet after the Norcold removal was a different story.

Edit: The GE also works fine on the MSW Inverter.

Leary54 · 08-18-2019, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmw188

So what type of problems were you having with the rf18?

Problem is that the fridge does not stay cold. I have lost a ton of food. I tried some thing different today. I set it at the coldest setting and walked away. After a few hours I returned to a working cold unit. I pulled the back off and noticed that the low suction line has a coating of ice on it. Is this normal? I turned the settings down and will check it in the morning.

JFXG · 08-19-2019, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

......With an 2002 model, your primary concern is cabinet height. Do you have 70 1/2" available?.......

The height is not quite there. However, in a previous life I’ve installed about 40-50 kitchens full of custom cabinetry, so a little field mod doesn’t intimidate me much. [emoji6]

Thanks to Vito and spdracr for the responses!

dcgettinby · 08-19-2019, 07:00 AM

Maybe your Samsung was simply a lemon. Lemons slip through from time to time, AND Samsung is certainly NOT the only company with that issue. Case in point: we had a GE in our home that d$@! near caught our house on fire - twice!!! The first time we were assured by the repairman that it was fixable. When the same problem re-occurred we chose to trash it rather than take a risk of a house fire.

I mention all of this because switching brands will NOT eliminate your risk of getting another lemon. That said, lemons are pretty rare, thank goodness! So the probability of getting another Samsung lemon is pretty low (probably about the same probability as getting a lemon from any other brand). However, the risk is there regardless. IMO, this info might be worth considering before launching too much of an effort in modifying your coach to accept a different brand.